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With rental houses selling to new residents, it's harder to find a place to rent. Rents have risen, and are $250 to $260 a week for a three-bedroom house.

Wagner has been in her job for a while, and seen some changes.

The 2007 real estate boom ended sharply in March 2008, she said. The current one started in late 2016 and is showing no sign of plateauing.

"This one has gone on for considerably longer. I don't think the prices will go back this time."

In mid-2017 there was an influx of buyers from Auckland. Then there was another, of Bay of Plenty people moving south after Aucklanders bought up houses in Tauranga and Whitianga.

New residents are liking the small town atmosphere in Rangitīkei, and local people are pleased they have come.

"Martonians love the idea of new people in town, because it promotes the businesses. The whole town gets a boost when we have new people come in. They come in with new ideas and join this and that. It's just great," Wagner said.